The Indian Super League 2025/26 MatchWeek 5 delivered a thrilling weekend of football filled with late drama, comeback goals, unbeaten streaks ending and the title race tightening. From stoppage-time heartbreak in Kolkata to a resilient defensive display in Bengaluru, the latest round of ISL fixtures produced several defining moments that could shape the season.
East Bengal Held by Kerala Blasters After Dramatic Stoppage-Time Equaliser
The matchweek kicked off with a thrilling clash between East Bengal FC and Kerala Blasters FC in Kolkata. The visitors started brightly and put the hosts under early pressure, but it was East Bengal who struck first against the run of play.
Youssef Ezzejjari won a penalty after being brought down by Aibanbha Dohling in the 10th minute and calmly converted from the spot to give East Bengal an early 1-0 lead.
Kerala Blasters continued to attack relentlessly throughout the match and were finally rewarded in stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, Muhammad Ajsal rose highest during a corner to head home past Prabhsukhan Gill, securing a dramatic 1-1 draw and the Blasters’ first point of the season.
Bengaluru FC Stop Mohun Bagan’s Winning Momentum
In the second match of the Saturday double-header, Bengaluru FC hosted league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
Both sides created chances early, with Ryan Williams and Jamie Maclaren testing the goalkeepers. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Vishal Kaith stood tall between the posts, producing crucial saves.
The Blues came closest to scoring in the second half when Sunil Chhetri found space inside the box, only to be denied by crucial blocks from Anirudh Thapa and Subhasish Bose.
Despite a combined 26 shots, the match ended in a goalless draw, with Bengaluru FC becoming the first team to take points off Mohun Bagan this season, though the Mariners maintained their unbeaten run.
Andy Rodríguez Brace Powers NorthEast United to First Win of the Season
Sunday’s action began with NorthEast United FC hosting Jamshedpur FC in Guwahati. The opening half saw both teams struggle to break the deadlock, with Raphaël Messi Bouli coming closest for the visitors.
The breakthrough came in the 53rd minute when Andy Rodríguez produced a stunning left-footed free kick to give the Highlanders the lead.
Jamshedpur equalised after Messi Bouli converted a penalty in the 68th minute, but Rodríguez responded immediately. Just a minute later, he unleashed another precise strike from outside the box to restore the lead and seal a 2-1 victory for NorthEast United.
The result marked NorthEast United’s first win of the season, while Jamshedpur suffered their first defeat, ending their winning streak.
Mumbai City Edge Inter Kashi in Thrilling Kolkata Contest
In Kolkata, Mumbai City FC faced Inter Kashi in an entertaining battle. Mumbai dominated possession early and finally broke the deadlock deep into first-half stoppage time when midfielder Noufal P. N. scored from a corner delivered by Lallianzuala Chhangte.
Inter Kashi responded early in the second half as Rohit Danu headed home from Sandip Mandi’s cross to level the score.
However, the Islanders regained the lead almost instantly when Lallianzuala Chhangte calmly finished after a clever through ball from Jorge Ortiz.
Despite late pressure and two shots off the crossbar, Inter Kashi could not find an equaliser as Mumbai City secured a hard-fought 2-1 win, even after Hmingthanmawia Ralte (Valpuia) was sent off. Phurba Lachenpa proved to be a match-winner with multiple crucial saves in stoppage time.
10-Man Punjab FC Hold FC Goa a Draw in a Hard-Fought Battle
In the final match of MatchWeek 5, Punjab FC hosted FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
Punjab started strongly and took the lead in the 27th minute when Nsungusi Jr Effiong finished a brilliant move with a curling strike into the top-left corner.
The game turned dramatically early in the second half when Effiong was sent off, reducing Punjab to ten men.
Goa capitalised quickly, with Dejan Dražić scoring a superb long-range effort to equalise.
Despite relentless pressure, Punjab’s disciplined defensive display ensured they held on for a 1-1 draw—an impressive result under adversity.
MatchWeek 5 – Key Takeaways
MatchWeek 5 highlighted the unpredictability and competitiveness of the Indian Super League this season.
Kerala Blasters secured their first point, Bengaluru FC ended Mohun Bagan’s perfect start, NorthEast United registered their first win, and Mumbai City kept pace with the top teams.
With several clubs now closely packed in the standings, the ISL 2025/26 title race is beginning to tighten, promising an exciting battle in the coming matchweeks.
Matchweek 6 – Fixture List
